“Going into a game against Carson City, you know what you’re up against,” coach Thompson said. “They don’t have many secrets.”

One of those not-so-secret elements, according to Thompson, was junior guard Drew Stout.

“You’ve got to stop Stout,” Thompson said. “We know what he can do whenever he touches the ball, and we worked on it all week when we faced them the first time. The tough part is, their threats don’t stop there.”

The Jackets, who beat Carson City 57-49 on January 23, also had to deal with some big presences in the middle of the Eagle defense.

“There are some big boys in the middle of that lane,” Thompson said. “They make dribble-drive nearly impossible, and it is a key to get some cuts into that in order to succeed.”

Carson City is no stranger to the postseason, in its own right.

“Carson City is a well-coached team,” Thompson said. “These guys get on the floor and get after it, and along with being well-balanced, they’re composed,” he said. “It’s a tough go of it getting a win against them this year, and we’re grateful for the opportunity.”

The Jackets, who finish the year at 14-8 (8-6 Tri-Valley West), are sure to be loaded again next year. Even with the losses of names like Bentley and Bellinger, one thing is for sure: Jim Thompson will have his guys ready to go yet again when November comes around.